The Met Office is forecasting high or "very high" levels of ultraviolet radiation during the week - peaking on Thursday.

The "very high" rating of 8 is the highest available in the UK and is rarely experienced in this country, according to Met Office weather experts.

Yet many places in the South West are expected to experience that level of ultraviolet radiation over the coming days.

People will also feel the burn of level 6 and 7 UV this week.

The Met Office said: "The UV index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks towards the end of June). Indices of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area."

It advises: "Avoid being outside during midday hours. Shirt, sunscreen and hat are essential."

This is what's in store for the South West over the coming days.

Wednesday

Wednesday, July 25, will see UV levels of 7 in most places, with a few parts hitting the highest 8 rating.

UV levels forecast for Wednesday, July 25 (Image: Met Office)

Thursday

UV levels will peak on Thursday, July 26, reaching the top 8 rating all across Somerset.

UV levels forecast for Thursday, July 26 (Image: Met Office)

Friday

UV levels will drop to 6 in most parts of Somerset on Friday, July 27.

(Image: Met Office)

Saturday

UV levels will rise again on Saturday, July 28, with a mix of level 6 and 7 radiation.

UV levels forecast for Saturday, July 28 (Image: Met Office)

Sunday

UV levels will start to fall. Radiation will peak at 5 or 6 in most parts of Somerset.

UV levels forecast for Sunday, July 29 (Image: Met Office)

What does the UV index mean?

The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and skin damage.

Here's what the ratings mean.

1-2 Low

3-5 Moderate

6-7 High

8-10 Very high

11 Extreme

The Met Office said: "Our UV index forecast identifies the strength of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day, allowing you to take the necessary precautions to help reduce the impact of UV on your health.

"Sunlight is essential for health, but it also carries its risks.

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"The strength of UV varies depending on where you are in the world, the time of year and on a number of different weather factors such as the amount of cloud cover. Small amounts of UV exposure can be beneficial as it is essential in the production of vitamin D, however over exposure of UV can lead to serious health issues.

"Our UV index forecast is produced all year round for 417 world cities, mainly across Europe. In the UK the forecast is predominantly throughout the summer months, with late June seen as the peak, however this is dependent on weather conditions."

"Our forecast is designed to warn you of an increased risk to your health from UV radiation and encourage you to take actions that reduce these risks but still allow you to enjoy the benefits of the sun."

Read More

The forecast is expressed as a 'Solar UV Index', a system developed by the World Health Organization. The Met Office UV forecasts include the effects of: the position of the sun in the sky; forecast cloud cover; ozone amounts in the stratosphere.

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